UAE Health Sector Expands With Mandatory Insurance Coverage For Workers Starting January 2025

The UAE's healthcare sector made notable strides in 2024, focusing on enhancing performance and promoting healthier lifestyles. A significant allocation of AED5.745 billion, or eight percent of the federal budget for 2025, was dedicated to healthcare and community prevention services. This investment underscores the nation's commitment to improving quality of life.

In a landmark decision, the UAE Cabinet approved a health insurance system for private sector workers and domestic employees without existing coverage. Starting 1st January 2025, employers and sponsors must provide insurance for their registered staff. This move aims to ensure comprehensive healthcare access for all workers.

The National Policy for Improving Women's Health was adopted by the Cabinet to guarantee women receive top-tier preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care. Additionally, the Emirates Genome Council mandated genetic testing as part of pre-marital screening for Emirati citizens planning to marry from January 2025.

Plans were unveiled in 2024 for a specialised medical city focused on women's and children's health. This city will include Sheikh Khalifa Medical City as a paediatric care hub, Corniche Hospital for women's and newborns' health, a rehabilitation complex, and a mental health centre.

Phase two of Dubai Healthcare City saw the commencement of Asan-UAE Gastroenterology Hospital construction. Developed by Scope Investment, this facility is the first international branch of South Korea's Asan Hospital. It marks a significant expansion in gastroenterological care within the region.

The Emirates Medical Preparedness and Response Programme, Jaheziya, launched a national nursing academy with Tadreeb to enhance Emirati healthcare professionals' skills. This initiative aims to bolster nurse readiness across public and private hospitals nationwide.

Global Collaborations

The Ministry of Health and Prevention signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to advance lung cancer early detection programmes using cutting-edge technologies. This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to leveraging global expertise in healthcare advancements.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi's Department of Health licensed the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi, pioneering healthy longevity medicine globally. The Ministry also initiated the National Survey for Health and Nutrition 2024-2025 with local health authorities to gather vital data on public health trends.

Surgical Achievements

Throughout 2024, UAE hospitals excelled in complex surgeries. Dubai Hospital's team successfully removed the world's largest adrenal gland tumour from a woman in her 60s. SEHA treated a 54-year-old patient with End-Stage Renal Disease undergoing dialysis for thyroid cancer using radioactive treatment.

In August, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre performed an ovarian preservation procedure on a seven-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia—the first such procedure in the UAE—partnering with ART Fertility Clinic. Meanwhile, Burjeel Medical City conducted the country's first successful paediatric liver transplant on a four-year-old girl from a living donor during a 12-hour surgery.

The UAE's healthcare initiatives reflect its dedication to advancing medical services and ensuring comprehensive care for its population through strategic investments and partnerships.

With inputs from WAM